The ultimate international summer camp guide

Summer camps have been a feature of the long vacation for American students for many years - but there are an increasing number of options to attend camps overseas which can bring a host of different experiences and benefits.

From learning a language to taking part in adventure activities, international summer camps offer unforgettable experiences for students of all ages.

This guide walks through some of the benefits of an international summer camp, how to find one and how much it’ll cost you.

Plus, to help make life easier when you travel, we’ll take a look at Wise - a cheap and easy way to send, spend, hold and exchange 40+ currencies, with the mid-market rate.

What's an international summer camp?

International summer camps are usually held over the summer vacation, in many overseas destinations throughout Latin America, Europe, Asia and beyond.

Summer camps overseas - much like here in the US - allow students of all ages to come together to learn and get involved in new things.

Often international summer camps host kids from around the world, which offers an even more diverse and enriching experience for campers.

What types of activities are typically offered at international summer camps?

International summer camps can be quite general in their focus, or can have a very specific niche.

General camps will offer a range of sports activities, excursions, arts, crafts and culture. More specific camps are available for language immersion and study, for art, sport and so on.

You could sign up for a tennis camp to learn with experienced and skilled coaches, or head off to an academic camp hosted in a prestigious university in Europe, for example - there are lots of different options to suit all interests.

How do international summer camps benefit students?

Summer camps offer students opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people.

International summer camps in particular do all this, as well as bringing together a diverse group of people from around the world, often in a stunning location which has a wealth of different activities to get involved in.

As well as creating unforgettable memories, students on summer camps overseas will make new friends, and get a unique perspective on travel which can benefit them in future.

Where can you find an international summer camp program?

International summer camps are operated globally by large organizations which often have a long history of coordinating camps successfully.

These organizations are set up to choose inspiring locations, and skilled and trained camp supervisors, as well as designing great camp programs to meet all student needs.

The best way to find an international summer camp program for yourself or your child is to research online - we have a few ideas coming up later to get you started.

Major providers offer lots of resources and brochures online, and also host digital drop-in sessions where you can ask questions and talk to staff members to help you decide if a camp is right for your needs.

How can international students find and enroll in a summer camp abroad?

Start your research for the best summer camp for your needs online. Enrolling in a camp is also usually a digital process which you can get sorted from your phone or laptop.

Be sure to check what’s included in the camp you select - for example, you’ll need to check if the company can help you arrange flights and visas - so you’ll know what else you need to organize before the vacation begins.

What are some of the best international summer camps?

There are international summer camps all over the world, which means that no matter what sort of experience you’re looking for, you’ll find something to suit. You can join a summer camp to learn a language, to get out and about in nature, to dive into a cultural immersion abroad, or to study.

Here are a few top international summer school options which you may want to consider when researching the right ones for you.

Altitude

Altitude®¹ has summer residential camps for students aged 7 to 14, and also offers day camps for kids from 3 years old.

Residential camps are in Switzerland, with mountain adventure courses offered to teach students about the outdoors, leadership and teamwork through activities like hiking, climbing, camp building and more.

English language focused courses are also on offer, to allow campers to study in the mornings and take part in activities and excursions in the afternoons.

EF

EF®² has been offering language learning based summer camps for over 50 years, where students from 10 to 24 years old can study, make friends and take part in a broad range of activities.

Camps are hosted in 20 different countries worldwide, from the UK to Malta, Australia and Korea, so there’s sure to be an attractive destination no matter what you’re hoping to get out of your summer camp experience.

World Camps

World Camps®³ offers a huge selection of summer camps around the world, with an extensive list of focus areas.

You could choose a language camp in Europe, an academic camp hosted by a world class university like Oxford, Cambridge or Yale, an arts camp, or a camp with a sporting focus - tennis or soccer for example.

World Camps has an intuitive website which has search and filter functions you can use to easily narrow down the camps that may suit your family.

How much do international summer camps cost?

The costs of international summer camps can vary a lot, depending on the location, activities and the type of accommodation.

To give an idea, World Camps offers several European summer camp options, including the following:

Center	Price
Humboldt Institut in Bad Dürkheim, Germany	1,250 EUR a week (around 1,350 USD*)
Centre International d’Antibes, in Antibes, France	From 950 EUR a week (around 1,000 USD)
ISSFT Summer School, in London, UK	6,950 GBP a week (around 8,800 USD)

*at the time of research, Feb/24

As you can see - costs range from around 1,000 USD to almost 9,000 USD per camp week, based on the specific details of what's included in the package.

You’ll want to research carefully to make sure you understand what’s offered for the fee, as it can vary a lot, with some camps including comprehensive pricing covering everything from flights to the graduation and end of camp party, and others with lower basic fee plans and optional extras.

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Are international summer camps safe?

International summer camps are set up to be safe environments for campers. However, it’s important to check the provider you pick is reputable and has good reviews - an online review site like Trustpilot® can help here, to allow you to gather unbiased opinions on any camp you’re considering.

Look also for details like the number of adults present per child, the training required for camp supervisors, and the safety measures in place for students undertaking adventure type activities in particular.

Are there age restrictions for international summer camps?

Different international summer camp providers have their own age restrictions. Generally overnight camps are available from around 7 years old.

Camps typically allow students through to around 18, although some also host older students of university age.

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International summer camps are a great opportunity for US students to experience the world, meet new people and learn new skills.

From climbing mountains in the Swiss alps to solving math equations in a historic Cambridge college, it’ll be an unforgettable summer wherever you end up. Use this guide to get inspired - and check out Wise as the smart way to spend once you head off overseas.

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Sources:

1. Altitude
2. EF
3. World Camps

Sources checked on 03.04.2024